Freshmen year of college is scary. You're in a new place, and there are so many people around you. Maybe you came with some friends from high school, or maybe you came with some friends. Either way, this is a time for you to discover who you are and who you want to become. It's scary, but you'll survive. I promise.
1. Don't stick with just your high school friends
College is a time for you to branch out. If you stick with your friends from high school, you won't be able to grow and change. Don't completely exile yourself from your high school friends, but if you only stick with them, it'll be like you never left high school.
2. Appreciate your meal plan while you have it
I would give a lot of things to go back to having unlimited food in the dining hall and copious amounts of flex dollars. Before you know it, you're going to be an upperclassmen living off campus and needing to buy groceries. Go dining hall shopping while you can.
3. Don't wear your lanyard with your ID and room key around your neck
Literally everyone does this. I did it. It makes it way too obvious that you are a freshmen.
4. Don't be afraid to go places on campus by yourself
Eating a meal or studying alone does not make you a loner with no friends.
5. Call your parents
They miss you. They worry about you. Call them.
6. Use tutoring services
Studying in college and studying in college are two different ballgames. Going to tutoring does not mean that you aren't smart. In fact, it means that you have enough common sense to get someone to help you study.
7. Take a risk
Try something new. Go out of your comfort zone. College is a time to grow, and taking risks is what helps you grow.
8. Make friends with upperclassmen
Believe it or not, upperclassmen were once where you are today. They've got loads of advice that they want to give to you.
9. Don't hog washers and dryers in the laundry room
Seriously, you don't need an entire washer for three pieces of clothing. Don't let your stuff just sit there either because people will get mad and either move your clothes out of the machine or steal your clothes just to spite you.
10. Get involved on campus
You'll meet more people who have the same interests as you. From a sorority or fraternity to Dumbledore's Army to intramurals, there is a niche for you.
11. Make time for fun
You go to school to learn, yes, but if you don't let yourself have fun, you'll be a ball of stress.
12. Changing your major is OK
Deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life at seventeen or eighteen is a big commitment. If you change your mind, it's OK.
13. Take classes for fun, if you can
If you have an open elective and have always wanted to take a dance class or a painting class, do it.
14. Dress how you want for class
If you're the most comfortable in Nike shorts and a t-shirt, wear that. If you feel the most comfortable in a dress and low heels, wear that. Just wear what makes you the most comfortable.
15. Don't do your laundry on a Sunday afternoon
Everyone in your building will be doing it then. Literally everyone.
16. Changing is OK
College is the time to discover who you really are and who you want to be. You will change. Don't freak out when you do.
17. Be true to yourself
Don't compromise your values because you want to be "cool." Being true to who you are is cool.
Gifs courtesy of giphy, tumblr, or other sources.
